Media Advisory
17 August 2012
Viet Nam War Remembered
A wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the Viet Nam War will be held tomorrow, the 46th anniversary of the Battle of
Long Tan, at the National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
The ceremony, which commences at 11.00am, will be attended by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Chris
Finlayson and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General (LT GEN) Rhys Jones, as well as New Zealand veterans of the Viet
Nam War.
The Viet Nam War was the first major conflict in which New Zealand did not fight alongside the United Kingdom.
Throughout the early 1960s New Zealand contributed mainly surgical personnel and engineering teams.
In total 3,890 New Zealanders served in the Viet Nam War, with 543 personnel serving there in January 1969, the highest
number of New Zealanders in Viet Nam at one time.
During the war 37 New Zealanders were killed and 187 wounded.
Media and photographers are invited to attend the wreath-laying ceremony.
What: Viet Nam War wreath-laying ceremony on the 46th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Where: National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, Buckle Street, Wellington
When: Saturday 18 August, 11.00am
ENDS